1
THE STANDARD CODE OF CONDUCT
Our Children are the most precious gifts entrusted to our care. We acknowledge that all
individuals shall be treated with respect, courtesy, dignity, patience and integrity.
I will:
1.
2.
Assume the full burden of responsibility for setting and maintaining clear and appropriate physical
and emotional boundaries with minors2.
Show prudent discretion in the expressions of affirmation used with minors. This includes refusing expensive
gifts from minors and refraining from giving expensive gifts to minors. The following are examples of
appropriate forms of affirmation with minors.
Hugs
Pats on the shoulder or back
Handshakes
“High-fives” and hand-slapping
Verbal praise
Touching hands, faces, shoulders and
arms of minors
3.
4
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Arms around the shoulders
Holding hands while walking with small
Sitting beside small children
Kneeling or bending down for hugs with small
Holding hands during prayer
Pats on the head when culturally appropriate
Refrain from forms of touch such as tickling, wrestling or massaging, which could be construed as sexual with
minors.
Assure that a meeting space with a minor or vulnerable adult has visual access. If this is not possible,
make sure that another adult is present.
Avoid driving alone with minors. In an emergency, request the presence of another adult.
Not consume alcohol products, use tobacco products or profanity nor be under the influence of
prescribed drugs that impair judgment, illegal drugs or alcohol when engaged in working with minors.
Not share a bedroom with minors when there is no other adult supervision present in the room.
Never provide minors with alcohol, drugs or with videos, reading or graphic materials that are inappropriately
sexual in nature.
Not access or possess child pornography
Never initiate sexual behavior with a minor and will refuse it even when the other invites it. I will report to
my supervisor any sexual behavior initiated by a minor.
Read and abide by the Diocesan policy for reporting allegations of sexual abuse.3
This code of conduct does not abrogate or replace any other obligations that I have under any applicable law,
guideline, policy or regulation. Name:
(Please Circle One)
Clergy
Date
Employee
Volunteer
Signature:
Name and location of school/parish/agency:
1
All clergy, employees, and volunteers of the Albany Diocese are required to sign and follow
this Code of Conduct when they are working with minors. The signed code of conduct will be kept
on file.
2 This includes children and youth under the age of 18 and adults who habitually lack
the use of reason. 3 See “How to Report Sexual Abuse.”
Revised 7/1/12
How to Report Sexual Abuse
Victims of Sexual Abuse
The Diocese of Albany urges all victims to report any instance of sexual abuse against a minor by a member of the
clergy, its employees or volunteers, to the local police or to the office of the appropriate District Attorney. (Contact
information for DAs)
Adults Reporting Past Abuse.
Adults who wish to report allegations of childhood abuse to the diocese should contact the diocesan
Assistance Coordinator (phone # 518-453-6646; e-mail: [email protected]). The Assistance
Coordinator will respond to you within 24-48 hours. All allegations of abuse of minors received by the Assistance
Coordinator will be reported to the office of the appropriate District Attorney. Copies of reports will also be sent
to the Bishop, the diocesan attorney and the diocesan Review Board members. Reports received will not be
screened for credibility.
The Diocese of Albany is committed to full cooperation with the civil authorities in the reporting and
investigation of such allegations. If the diocese receives notification from the DA’s office that it will not
investigate an allegation of sexual abuse that was submitted, or that it is unable to take any action, the diocese will
then follow its own protocol for processing an allegation of sexual abuse.
Employees Reporting Abuse:
1. Where the victim is a current minor.
a) Allegations against parish/school staff/volunteers.
The parish leader/ school principal should immediately report all allegations received of sexual abuse
against clergy, employees or volunteers to the local police and to the diocesan attorney Michael Costello
Esq. (# 518-463-1177) The person receiving the report will not screen such reports for credibility.
The diocesan attorney will inform the appropriate DA within 24 hours. If the diocesan attorney cannot be
reached,
please
call
the
Assistance
Coordinator
at
518-453-6646.
b) Allegations against parish or school leaders.
If an allegation is received against the parish leader or school principal, the person receiving the report
will not screen such reports for credibility.
The diocesan attorney Michael Costello Esq. should be notified as soon as the report is received and he in
turn will immediately notify the local police and the appropriate DA’s office within 24 hours. If the
diocesan attorney cannot be reached, please call the Assistance Coordinator at 518-453-6646
Copies of any report made to the police or DA should be sent to the Assistance Coordinator who will
inform the Bishop, the diocesan attorney and the diocesan Review Board members.
The School Superintendent will be informed of all reports received against school personnel.
c) Allegations against the child’s family.
Allegations received by school or parish staff that a child/youth has been harmed or is at risk of being
harmed by a parent/guardian or other person legally responsible for his or her care.(e.g. any adults living in
the home) should be reported to the Child Abuse Central Register.
Mandated reporters call: 1-800-635-1522
Parish staff who are not mandated reporters: 1-800 -342-3720
If a child is in immediate danger call 911 or the local police.
For further information please visit: http://www.ocfs.state.ny.us/ohrd/ccg/
2. Where the victim is an adult.
Parish, school staff and other diocesan personnel receiving such reports from adults who were abused as
minors, should notify the Assistance Coordinator (Phone # 518-453-6646) within one business day. Such
reports received will not be screened for credibility The person receiving the complaint should remind the
victim of his/her right to report the allegation directly to the office of the district attorney where the alleged
abuse occurred. All allegations of abuse of minors received by the Assistance Coordinator will be reported to
the office of the appropriate District Attorney, with copies sent the diocesan attorney and the Review Board
members.
The School Superintendent will be informed of all reports received against school personnel